‘Brilliant’ - Pundit picks out West Ham man who impressed him most against Newcastle United

Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, pundit Ian Wright heaped praise on West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd after he helped his side pick up a useful point away at Newcastle United. The Morocco international stood out for the visitors after their 1-1 draw with the high-flying Magpies in the North East.

The hosts took the lead early on through striker Callum Wilson. However, David Moyes’ grew into the game and levelled through midfielder Lucas Paqueta before half-time.

Aguerd, 26, put in a solid performance at the back alongside Thilo Kehrer and the experienced Angelo Ogbonna to keep their opponents at bay. Wright liked what he saw from the West Ham ace and said: “He played very, very well at the World Cup (as well). He was impressive (today). He didn’t let anyone get past him.

“He was right in people’s faces. He was there to mop up all the problems Newcastle were causing. If they tried to go over the top, he showed great pace and positional play. I thought he did that very, very well.”

The former Rennes man made a crucial tackle on Wilson in the second-half when he was through on goal and former Crystal Palace and Arsenal striker Wright said: “This was brilliant from him. Callum will be disappointed that he didn’t get across him but he got back fantastically well there. I thought he did very well today and he is one of the reasons why they got that point today.”

Fellow pundit Alan Shearer also added: “I thought Declan Rice was superb as well.”

Aguerd endured a tough start to life at West Ham after suffering an injury earlier this season but he has started to prove his worth over recent weeks and is becoming a key player. Moyes’ men remain a point above the drop zone but are unbeaten in their last three outings and will take confidence from that.

Next up is a home clash against Chelsea next weekend. The Blues drew 0-0 with Fulham on Friday night.